Saturday, July 09, 2011

Rebecca Run 5K

This was our 4th consecutive year running our local Rebecca Run. It's a fantastic race on our favourite running paths and just minutes from home. I've placed first in my age group the past 3 years (got to love the smaller events) - no pressure or anything!

And, of course, I was also gunning to beat Lindsay's PR of 20:33 for our little competition. I'll give you a hint: I missed it by 7 seconds!!!

We headed to the park about an hour before the start this morning, picked up our chips and found some of our friends who were racing. Then we set off for an extended 7K warm-up, including the race route with a minor detour when the 3K races were approaching.

It was a hot and sunny morning and neither hubs or I was feeling particularly excited about racing a 5K. We were honestly wonder why we actually pay to sign up for this kind of punishment. I was also feeling pretty slow and tired, but remembered that I also felt that way last week before a PR at the Canada Day 5K. All we could do was shake it off and get ready to race!

After the warm-up I switched into my Kinvara flats and we lined up to start with a bunch of our friends. And we were off!

I had a strategy in mind: run like hell and try not to die. My ultimate goal, other than beating Lindsay [which I was pretty certain would not happen], was sub-21:00 so I had that pace in mind as I took off running. Mostly I just ran hard and picked people ahead of me to chase after.

The race starts on the paved path alongside a small lake, then winds around it on gravel trails before heading out on a brief out-and-back with gentle rollers. My first K was right on track, but I caught myself backing off for the middle section again. It hurts like hell and I always doubt whether I can maintain the pace, and give it up far too soon. I tried to hold on but definitely slowed for the 2nd and 3rd kilometre.

It was fun seeing everyone on the out-and-back stretch, and I was also able to count the females ahead of me and knew I was running in 3rd place, with a pretty good distance before the next female behind me. This gave me the boost I needed to pick it up and hold my position. I was able to pass a couple of people as we made our way back toward the park.

The last kilometre is along a boardwalk trail surrounded by woods. It's quite enjoyable on any old run, but not so much in a race. It's virtually impossible to pass, but this time I didn't have anyone within reach anyway. I knew that as soon as we came off this stretch, the finish would be just around the corner and forced myself to keep pushing.

Finally the finish was in sight and I saw 20:2X on the clock. I knew I had my sub-21:00 and pushed it all the way through.

Official time - 20:40
Average pace - 4:08/KM (6:39/mi)
Overall - 19/334
Females - 3/194
F25-29 - 1/22

We grabbed some water and milled about with our friends for about 15 minutes before hubs and I set out again - we weren't finished yet! We are busy tomorrow and decided to complete our long run this morning, which meant we had about 18K yet to run, and it was already 10:30. We headed out to squeeze in about 5K, so we would make it back in time for the awards.



By that time we were both starving, and grabbed some snacks and hot dogs from the food table. Who needs gels?!

Hubs earned a medal for his 3rd place AG finish, and I won a medal and gift card for being 3rd female.



We sat around for a little longer before we had to face the remainder of our run. It was noon by this point and scorching hot. We headed to the trails to find the shade, but the majority of the run was still in the pounding sun. My legs felt pretty good until the last 5K, but it was mentally exhausting to be running in this heat.

We took it on the slow side and eventually made it to 30K (18.6mi) total for the day.


Yes, that is an ice pack in my top.


A stop for slurpees was essential!
I can't say it was the smartest thing we have ever done, but sometimes you just have to push the limits and it sure felt good to get it done.

32 comments:

Joanna said...

LOVE the strategy and congrats on an incredible time, especially given the heat. Now I want to go run a 5k!

Cynthia said...

You are one fast cookie :) and in the heat we had today! Amazing :) Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

ajh said...

Man, are you fast!

dawn @ running the dawn said...

your speeds have now entered the bionic zone. you are a machine. a well-oiled one at that :) good work and that slushie looks amazing!!!

Cory Reese said...

I always start a race with your same strategy, but by the end I'm wanting to die.

Kayla said...

Congrats!!! You are so speedy!!!

Richelle said...

Congrats, Marlene! I am constantly impressed by your mental and physical strength and your speed!

Char said...

An new PR and you're within sniffing distance of sub-20. Man, how fast are you!!

Jason said...

Congrats. You are super speedy.....WOW!!!!

That is one big straw.....

Is that a tattoo on your wrist? If so, what is it of?

Kerrie said...

Holy pace, Batman! Good job!

EndorphinBuzz said...

Good work and Congrats on the placing!

Vanessa @ Gourmet Runner said...

Great job--on the speedy 5k but also on running for a couple of hours afterwards!!!
:)

Anne said...

Congrats Marlene! You guys are so fast!! :) ...and wow on 30K in that heat!

Happy Feet 26.2 said...

PR in the Heat! Nice! I NEED COLD weather to even get close, yes, I'm slightly jealous.

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Total awesomesauce! You are such a rock star! Congrats!

Lindsay said...

nice boob job! congrats on the pr! i was thinking i may not even try to do a 10k haha so i may as well mail you your prize too ;) if you wanted, we could extend the challenge -- there's actually only 1 10k within an hour from me in july and i probably won't be in town that weekend... who knows, you may whip out an even faster 5k in a triathlon! :)

Run Jess Run said...

You, my dear, are a rock star! Great PR!

Anonymous said...

Nooo idea how you guys survived in that heat, especially after killing the 5K race! :) Congrats to you both!!

Karen said...

"run like hell and try not to die."

That's totally my 5K racing strategy too. Way to go on the PR!!:)

J said...

AHHH Congrats speedy!! You are so awesome! Congrats on the awesome pace and race!

Robin said...

Congrats on your race...you did awesome. It was very hot (I got a sunburn). Yeah for the 3rd place.

misszippy said...

Awesome time Marlene! I love that you and Lindsey had a throwdown!

Mark said...

Nice!!!

Jill said...

OMG, that is freaking AWESOME, girl!!! Sub 21 is really smoking fast - you are on fire right now and there's no stoping YOU! Congrats big time to you! Totally loving the ice pack in the boob holder and Slurpees are a must-have with that kind of speed - and heat!!! YAY!!!

Jill said...

OMG, that is freaking AWESOME, girl!!! Sub 21 is really smoking fast - you are on fire right now and there's no stoping YOU! Congrats big time to you! Totally loving the ice pack in the boob holder and Slurpees are a must-have with that kind of speed - and heat!!! YAY!!!

Denise said...

it's the year of PRs for you!!! congrats!! and i love the ta ta ice pack!

Runners Fuel said...

Congrats to the both of you! WoW! you ran more after placing, great job! Very inspiring!!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

You are AMAZING my friend! I still remember chatting with you this time last year and I am pretty sure you called yourself "Slow" hmm a lot changes in a year with hard work and FOCUS!! So STELLAR!! Keep up the great work.

Anonymous said...

The pics in this post made me smile!! You crack me up Marlene!! :) Way to rock this race! And what a great time!! :)

Nicole said...

NICE JOB SPEEDY! you killed it out there!!! so proud of you!

Aron said...

HOLY SPEEDSTER WOMAN!!! The PRs just keep coming and coming :) congrats!!

Anonymous said...

Sorry for the late comment!!! Love the plan... That's the only way to do a 5k. Congrats on the smoking time and the medal!!! And giggling about that ice pack!